Most of us spends days on end using the computer. Hence, the incidents of sore elbow from typing are on the rise. It may aggravate, if necessary attention is not paid to the condition.
These days we are glued to our computers all through the day. It is just not the case with working professionals, but also with college going students. This often leads to sore elbow, sore thumb from typing and clicking, etc. These come under repetitive stress injuries. Sore elbow is often caused due to swelling in the elbow tendons. This condition is also known as tennis elbow, which is a kind of tendinitis. It often leads to swelling and pain in the elbow and arms. Tendons are nothing but strands of tissues, which connect the muscles to the bone. Often when one talks about the tennis elbow, it is thought to be only caused due to playing tennis. However, it is not the case. This condition arises as a result of doing repetitive gripping activities. This condition can affect people in any age group.
Sore Elbow From Typing
Causes
Although the basic cause of elbow pain from typing has been ascertained, the exact cause has not been ascertained. If the keyboard is not placed properly, then it will cause the arm to be placed in awkward position. If the keyboard is elevated from the backside, then it can cause sore elbows. In such cases, it is recommended that the back of keyboard should be tilted downwards and the front should be elevated. The other cause of sore elbows after typing is due to forearm tension.
If you grip the mouse very tight, or continue to work on the keyboard continuously for an extended period of time, then it can give rise to tension in the forearm, which can be carried forward to the elbow. Many times, it is seen that people lean on their elbows, while typing or using the mouse or while reading. This exerts pressure on the elbow and causes pain. If the keyboard is placed on an elevation and the arms are in an awkward position, it will exert a lot of pressure on the elbow and give rise to sore elbow.
Symptoms
The most common symptom is inflammation of the elbow joint. Pain and tenderness is experienced in the joint on the outside the elbow. It is in the joint that the tendons connect to the bone. In extreme cases, the pain may also be felt in the upper or lower arm. Such pain experienced in the upper or lower arm is also known as referred pain. Some of the other symptoms include extreme pain, while lifting an object, or when an object is gripped. Some people may also experience, while opening the door or shaking hands.
Treatment
To allow the hurting elbow from typing heals faster, the first thing you will have to do is to stop typing for some time. Yes without sufficient amount of rest, the elbow will find it extremely difficult to heal. The next tennis elbow treatment measure is to use the ice pack on the elbow. Using ice on the elbow will help in reducing inflammation. It is recommended that the ice pack be used for 15 to 20 minutes every couple of hours for 3 to 4 days till the pain has gone away. In some cases the use of elbow strap also proves to be beneficial. If the pain is unbearable, then one can take the over the counter pain kilers as well. When the pain subsides down, some of the elbow exercises can be performed. It will help in reducing stiffness from the joint and also in increasing flexibility. Doing the exercises regularly will also ensure that the muscles are strengthened.
Along with all of these treatment options, changes will have to be made to the way the keyboard is placed. Ensure that the front of the keyboard is higher than the back of the keyboard. So that the pressure from the elbow joint is reduced. If you grip the mouse rather tightly, then you will have to use a light grip on the mouse, etc. If you have the habit of leaning on the armrest, while typing or reading, then this habit will have to be changed as well.
If the sore elbow caused by typing does not heal with the above mentioned in a couple of days, then it is best to consult a health care professional. An X-ray of the said elbow may be required to find out the exact nature of the problem. In some cases doing some prescribed exercises helps in treating the condition, in some other, some medicines, etc may be prescribed by the doctor to the patient.
